Friday, October 2, 2009

It's been some time since I have written to so I wanted to give everyone an update. Life is fine in Buruburu! I am enjoying it here - the weather is pleasent, the people are generally great and most of all-it is a real blessing knowing you are exactly where God wants you to be.

There are some challenges. Especially with water and electricity. But I have it relatively good compared to some. The problems are getting better every day. I am finding that I feel right at home here in spite of the conditions which in America would be considered a slum. Sometimes I hear automatic gunfire at night and the next morning read of a shoot-outs with police. I haven't felt threatened at all. I feel secure in my home with my dog, Raf.

I am missing American football a little, although since my team is losing pretty badly it is just as well I am not watching. I don't miss other TV though and I find that the only time I am close to being bored is when the electricity is out and I can't use my computer. I do have the internet in my home now so I can keep in touch with everyone on facebook, etc. I tried to download a movie the other day and the program came up and started to download it. The only problem was it had a little notice about how long it would take and it said it would take 23 years! I guess that gives you some idea of my internet connection speed.

The classes are going great and the people are understanding the grace principles of God. Yesterday I had a message on my phone from an unassuming young man who comes to the Buruburu class and he is quiet so you almost forget he is there.

His message was: "Hi teacher. I thank the Lord for the Bible classes. They have really changed my life. I believe God brought you to Africa for people like me. Francis." Thank God for the men like Francis here who are learning of the grace of God and are being transformed by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

I especially enjoy the teen class because these teenagers are so eager to hear and learn and they have less of the false teaching that is so prevalent here in Africa. Last week I bought them a soccer ball as that is the only recreation they have in Kayole slum. Pray for the people in my classes and for these teenagers. Pray especially for Joshephat in Kayole and Dennis in Buruburu - the two leaders who help me so much.

As missionaries we consider cross-cultural missions to be a thrilling expedition, full of challenges and discoveries. Our travels take us to some amazing places and people. As we leave our "base camp" we are blessed to ‘forge streams’ of new relationships and ‘climb mountains’ with those who survive solely on hope. It's a wonderful adventure. Please join us. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. Ephesians 3:14-16, the apostle Paul

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

ADVENTURE OUTREACH-A GREAT TIME FOR KIDS TO HEAR THE NAME OF "JESUS"

TEACHING

Stan teaching teen class

Cliff teaching Maasai pastors

INTERNATIONAL ARTS IN HEALTHCARE

Global mental health care and art therapy training.

Int'l Arts in Healthcare

Paula Taylor has worked with survivors of traumatic experiences, including domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, disaster and terminal and life threatening illness. She uses techniques that significantly enhance trauma therapy by providing children the opportunity to express their trauma experience through multiple creative approaches.